Wilyer Abreu’s magnificent (but exhausting) evening: Right fielder Wilyer Abreu contributed to the Red Sox offense’s explosive performance on Monday by hitting two home runs and dishing out five RBIs.
Naturally, the background of Abreu’s home runs is significant: One was a grand slam (the first of his career), while the other was an inside-the-park home run, which the Red Sox have not seen since Eduardo N n Z in 2018.
According to MLB’s Sara Langs, the combination of these uncommon accomplishments created some noteworthy history: it was the first time a player hit an inside-the-park home run and a grand slam (separately) in the same game since 1958 (more on this trivia below).
After the game, which Boston won 13–6, Abreu talked about the infrequently seen home run within the stadium.
“I thought it was a home run when I hit the ball,” Abreu told reporters. I started racing hard when I saw it going to the track because I thought the ball might still be there. The ball didn’t go out, and I was able to hit an inside-the-park homer.
“I’ve never hit an inside-the-park home run before,” Abreu told NESN. I was exhausted, but it was also really exhilarating.
For the Red Sox, the 26-year-old’s RBIs arrived just in time. Before the inside-the-park blast, Boston’s lead was reduced to 7-4 by Cincinnati after building a 7-0 lead in the first inning. The game was turned upside down by the grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning, which increased the Red Sox’s lead from four runs (9-5) to an unretrievable eight-run advantage (13-5).
ABREU, HAVE A NIGHT WILYER FOR YOURSELF!Tonight, he has both a grand slam and a home run inside the park.image.twitter.com/o7XjO4MDpw
When asked which of his home runs he enjoyed more, Abreu replied that, in the long run, the traditional sort is better.
“Obviously the inside-the-parker,” Abreu added, “but you get tired from it.” Therefore, it’s preferable in my opinion if you hit the ball and simply jog around the bases [for a homer].
Fact: Since 1958, Wilyer Abreu has been the only MLB player to smash a grand slam and an inside-the-park home run in the same game. Who was the final player to achieve this achievement?
(A response is at the bottom.)
Hint: He was born in Minnesota and was the MVP of the American League in 1960 and 1961.
Schedules and scores:
On Monday, the Red Sox defeated the Reds 13–6.
This evening at 7:10 p.m., the two clubs will play again at Fenway Park.
Additional information from Boston.com:
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Wilyer Abreu hits grand slam and inside-the-park homer in Red Sox win over Reds 13-6
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Brad Marchand reportedly agrees to six-year contract extension with Panthers
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Alex Bregman offered a promising update about his return to Red Sox, contract talks
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Celtics lose Luke Kornet after center signs 4-year deal with Spurs
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Celtics reportedly sign big man Luka Garza to 2-year contract
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Report: Warriors are eyeing Al Horford as a top target in free agency
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Will Zellers goal-scoring touch is a welcome sight in Bruins deepening prospect pool
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11 past and present Celtics players who were born in Massachusetts
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Bruins sign Morgan Geekie to six-year, $33 million contract extension
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Red Sox prospect Jhostynxon Garcia named to MLB All-Star Futures Game roster
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WNBA expanding to Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia over next five years
Celtics free agent analysis: Following the recent wave of salary-cutting transactions, former general manager Bobby Marks evaluated Boston’s roster and available offseason possibilities.
On this day in 2012, Spain defeated Italy 4-0 in the final, which was held in Kyiv, Ukraine, to reclaim their title as Euro champions.
Spain had previously won the 2008 Euros and the 2010 World Cup, thus it was a high point. An overwhelming victory over Italy in the final was interspersed with three consecutive victories in international tournaments. Spain’s signature tiki-taka was the dominant style, and Cesc Fabregas played as a false nine.
13 an os de la requisición de una es requisida en la requisición de una.We continue to celebrate an international football milestone.July 1st, 2012.Twitter: pic.twitter.com/eJZNgHV0g1
Highlight of the day: On Monday, Jackson Merrill robbed a home run for the Padres with a spectacular catch in centerfield. Stay for the Don Orsillo call, and come for the highlight.
Are you serious, Jackson Merrill?Twitter: pic.twitter.com/9zycPrPLvE
Answer to the trivia: Roger Maris
Since 2016, Hayden Bird has been employed at Boston.com as a sports staff writer. He covers every aspect of New England sports.
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